Garage conversions
Most garages aren’t used for cars anymore, making them the perfect space to transform into something more practical. While building regulations and architectural plans are still required, garage conversions are an excellent option for growing families. Positioned at the front of the house, garages are often converted into utility rooms, WC/shower rooms, or cosy living spaces like snug rooms.
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What is a garage conversion
A garage is often considered separate from the main house, even when attached. Converting the garage conversion into a liveable space means upgrading to meet building regulations so it can fully integrate with your home. The key construction work includes adding floor and wall insulation, replacing the garage door with brickwork and windows, and sometimes installing a side entrance or new internal access. In some cases, boilers may need relocating—but we take all of this into account when designing your plans.
Replacing the garage door
Replacing a garage door is a straightforward process. If there’s an existing doorway leading into the house, the first step is to block it off. Next, the garage door is removed, and new foundations are dug. Before pouring concrete, building regulations will inspect the foundations to ensure compliance. Once approved, the brickwork can begin, transforming the space into a seamless part of your home.
Types of garage conversions
There are more types of garage conversions than you might think. The most common is a single garage conversion attached to the house, but there are plenty of other options. A double garage can be transformed into a spacious living area, while a detached garage offers potential for a self-contained space. A partial garage conversion is a cost-effective choice, keeping some storage while adding a functional room—often with the garage door left in place. Below, we’ll explore each type in more detail.
Do we need an Architect?
The simple answer is yes. An architect will assess whether the project is feasible, design a layout that suits your needs, determine the type of planning application required, and provide estimated build costs. They’ll also guide you through additional costs and processes, secure council approvals, and connect you with trusted local builders. Kirkwood can also handle structural calculations and building regulations drawings if needed. Click here to see the areas we cover.
Single garage conversion
A single garage conversion is a popular choice for many reasons. It’s typically straightforward to get approval from local authorities, has lower build costs per square metre, and with the right builder, can be completed quickly with minimal disruption. Many homeowners convert a single garage into a snug room, home cinema, or even a practical bootility/wash room with side access—perfect for coming in from a muddy dog walk. It’s also a great way to free up kitchen space by adding a separate utility or larder, keeping noisy appliances out of the main living area. Whatever your needs, we’ll design a space that works for you.
Benifits of a good garage design
To achieve the best possible results, you need an architect who is passionate about their work, cares about their clients, and has a keen eye for well-designed living spaces. The final outcome is only as good as the design. If the project isn’t planned properly from the start, you’ll be constantly playing catch-up throughout the build. Some builders are excellent, but even they can’t work miracles without a solid design in place.
Double story garage conversion
If your budget allows, converting the garage and adding a new floor above can completely transform your home. A three-bed house could become a four-bed with two en-suites and a family bathroom, all while gaining extra living space downstairs. By using the existing garage walls and foundations (subject to a structural engineer’s report), you could save thousands compared to building from scratch. However, not all garages are suitable for an extension above—our structural engineers can assess your garage and let you know if it’s possible.
Two story garage conversion
Compared to starting from the ground up, converting the garage and extending above is one of the most cost-effective ways to create additional living space based on cost per m². You save on expensive foundations and brickwork, which can easily cost between £5,000 and £10,000 alone. By making use of the existing structure (subject to a structural engineer’s report), you can achieve a substantial extension at a fraction of the cost of a full new build.
Detached garage
If you’re planning on building a detached garage or want to convert one, we can help. We’ve designed countless detached garages, ranging from games rooms, bars, gyms, and yoga rooms to even one-bedroom living quarters with a kitchen and living room. Furthermore, we know the planning laws back to front, so if you’re not sure and need some advice, give us a call. In fact, we would love to help.
Is a garage conversion PD?
Some garage conversions fall under permitted development (PD) in the UK, but not all. It depends on factors like whether the conversion changes the building’s external appearance, local restrictions, and previous planning conditions. Always check with your local authority first. For more information on permitted development you can call our team on 01268 944233
Partial garage conversion
What this means is converting part of the garage while keeping the front half as a garage. This keeps costs down since the garage door can remain, and only half the walls and floor need upgrading to meet current building regulations. This type of conversion can create space for a utility, bootility, washroom, downstairs WC and shower room, larder, games room, or office. The possibilities are endless. Tell us what you need, and we’ll come up with the ideas—we’re experts
What are the building regulations for garage conversions
The current building regulations for garage conversions can be straightforward if designed properly and carried out by a skilled builder. Floors will need insulating, ventilation is required, and foundations may be necessary where the garage door once was. Fire alarms might be needed, along with damp proofing to prevent moisture issues. Any new electrics and plumbing must comply with building regulations. Council building inspectors will visit at key stages to check the work, which is a good thing as it ensures the builder has done the job correctly up to that point, giving you peace of mind.
Garage conversion costs
Usually, garage conversions start at around £15,000, with higher-end projects reaching approximately £50,000. Size plays a big role, and if you’re planning a two-story garage conversion, you’ll need a larger budget, starting at around £60,000 and potentially exceeding £100,000. For a single-story garage conversion, design costs start at £1,200, while a double-story conversion starts at £1,495. If you’re looking for a garage conversion architect, we’ve got you covered, and if you need a reliable builder, we can connect you with some of the best.
Garage conversions Essex
If you’re looking for an Essex architect who understands the planning laws for garage conversions, get in touch to arrange a free advice call. Converting or building a garage in Essex can be a straightforward process, yet we often hear horror stories that could have been avoided. We rely on our 5-star reviews, so we make it our mission to get everything right the first time.
Garage conversion ideas
If you have the space, we can make anything work. A popular project is the bootility, a practical mix of a boot room and utility space. This is typically created by installing a new external door leading to the side alley, providing a convenient side entrance. With the addition of a sink, waterproof flooring, and some fitted kitchen units, you’ll have the perfect space to clean up after a muddy dog walk before Charlie and Luna jump all over the sofa!
Garage conversion builders
We’ve got a few garage conversion builders we can recommend. They’re hard to find, but over the years, we’ve built a trusted network. It’s reassuring to know that after working with you on the design, we can leave you in safe hands. Our garage conversion costs are based on their pricing, so once the drawings are complete and it’s time for fixed quotes, there won’t be unexpected price changes. Garage conversion builders and house extension builders have different experience levels, as the projects aren’t the same. If you need guidance, we’d be happy to help.
Do you need planning permission for garage conversions?
Planning permission is not always required for garage conversions in the UK, as many fall under permitted development (PD). However, there are exceptions where permission is needed, including:
- If local planning conditions restrict garage conversions, which is common in new builds or conservation areas.
- If the conversion changes the external appearance significantly, such as altering the roof or extending beyond the original structure.
- If the garage was originally built with a planning condition preventing conversion, as some councils require garages to remain as parking spaces.
- If the property is a listed building or in a designated area like a conservation zone.
- If converting a detached garage into a separate living space, which often requires full planning permission.
Even if planning permission isn’t needed, the conversion must comply with building regulations, covering insulation, ventilation, fire safety, and structural stability. Always check with local Essex architects or local council authorities.
Garage conversion vs House extension
The obvious factor here is price. While home extensions require new foundations, brickwork, and a roof, a garage conversion already has these in place, making cost a major advantage. The downside of a garage conversion is the loss of storage space for things like bikes, tools, and all those general garage-y things. A simple solution is adding garden storage, such as a shed. House extensions typically cost around £2,000 per square metre, whereas garage conversions cost around £1,000 per square metre.
Finding a good local Essex architect
will help outline the difference in build costs, as not all garages or house extensions are the same size. Our house extension architects and garage conversion architects provide accurate working drawings (building regulations drawings) so builders can give precise quotes, and our structural engineer will apply the necessary calculations. We also have teams of trusted house extension builders and garage conversion builders across Essex, meaning you don’t need to go anywhere else—Kirkwood is a one-stop shop for all your home extension, garage conversion, and loft conversion needs in areas like:
Brentwood
Chelmsford
Wickford
Hornchurch
Thurrock
Leigh-on-Sea
Rayleigh
Benfleet
Billericay
Colchester
Maldon
Braintree
Is a garage conversion worth it?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to extend your home’s living space, then yes, a garage conversion can be the best route to take. The first step is to find a good local Essex architect who can advise you on:
Design costs
Build costs
Type of application required
Building regulations requirements
Timeframes
Contact details for good local builders
Having the right expert guidance from the start will ensure your garage conversion is well-planned, cost-effective, and fully compliant with regulations.
Architectural design costs for a garage conversion?
The architectural design fees vary from job to job but not by much. We can provide you with an instant quote—we just need a few details from you. Using state-of-the-art technology, we can assess your property without needing a site visit, allowing us to offer instant fixed quotes. It’s a streamlined process that has earned us 5-star Google reviews for years. To give you an idea, our architectural design costs for a garage conversion start at £1,295 and go up to around £1,795. For a free instant quote, just click here.
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frequently asked question
Please complete an enquiry form and submit your details. We will call you within 1 working day. If we can get through we will email you instead.
We are based in Wickford but we cover the whole of Essex and some part of London.
Prices start at £1,195.00 and go up to £2,995.00
Permitted development for house extensions allows homeowners to build specific types of extensions without needing planning permission, provided they meet government-defined size and location criteria. As part of our architectural design service in Essex, we ensure your extension complies with these regulations. Additionally, we assist in obtaining a certificate of lawfulness, giving you legal confirmation that your project falls within permitted development rights
Get in contact with usb either calling, emailing, requesting a callback or completing an enquiry form. We are very quick at responding to enquiries.
Use ours is the short answer. We don’t have many as they are hard to come by, but the ones we do, won’t let you down.
Always the architect first if you want sound advice on what steps to take first. Kirkwood will advise on build costs in Essex as part of our service.
A certificate of lawfulness (COL) for a house extension is an official document that verifies the legality of a proposed or existing extension. It is also referred to as a lawful development certificate (LDC).
